spending

Start with recurring monthly expenses

I tend to divide spending up into four categories. From best to worst they are: investments, items of enduring value, ephemeral items, and recurring monthly expenses.

Investments include not only stocks and bonds and such, but also anything that can help you earn money. Tools are an investment, as are a classes. I just bought two books that I'm reading before a possible job interview--they're an investment. Some investments may not pay off, but even unsuccessful investments are still investments.

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Adaptation: Lessons learned from being unemployed

Almost 3 years ago I quit my 9-6 job to "take a break." I quit not because I hated that particular job, but because I hated the 9-6 part. It also didn't help that my commute was 3 hours round trip and I didn't get paid well. I thought I just needed some time to figure out what I wanted to do. I was still under the assumption that I should be able to find something I loved to do and get paid well doing it. Hell I was even quoted in the LA Times saying something to that effect. Something about my generation demanding more from a job than just job security. We want the works: good location, cool coworkers, fun duties, excellent pay. I suppose I was naïve to think that I could be different and settle for nothing less. On the other hand, I've yet to go back to that life, so perhaps that dream is not so elusive after all. Only time will tell.

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Frugal is more than a way to spend money, Part III

Emotional health leads to financial health.

One Problem

I know that emotional health leads to financial health first and foremost in my own life.

On one level, it's pretty straight-forward. When I'm tired, frustrated, angry, sad, or trying not to feel any of these, it's a lot harder to give a damn about my budget. When I'm caring for myself, getting enough sleep, dealing with my emotions or the people and situations that bring them in, then it's a lot easier to care about when and where I spend my money.

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